The CD is packaged in high gloss cardstock with a cartoon-ish painting of a sleeping king on the cover. The bio sheet reads like the resume of a journeyman, citing jobs in which he wrote commercial jingles for clients like Coca-Cola and CNN, and audio-branded logos for MTV in their beginning stages. It tells me that Buffett’s belt has 15 records under it, and he has worked on numerous film scores, including the memorable “Fire Dance” scene in the Oscar winning film, Dances With Wolves. And more recently, he is collaborating both musically and professionally with Grammy-nominated artist Akon. Together, they have launched the website www.IsThereSomethingICanDo.com to promote social action through social networking. So what did I do? I looked him up in Wikipedia to find out more, of course!

   I come to find out that he is the second son of billionaire Warren Buffett. Now, for anyone that knows Warren Buffett, they know that being his kid doesn’t automatically make you rich or special in some way. Old man Buffett has gone on record to say that he refuses to simply feed his children money, and that most of his fortune will be passed on to charities when he leaves us. So, this puts a whole new spin on Peter Buffett, really. There is never any mention of his father in the bio sheet; never any effort to capitalize on the family name. Peter Buffett has worked for everything he has in his life and career, and I think his music reflects the confidence and integrity that’s been gained by doing so.

Akon and Peter Buffett

   After the first listen, my thoughts were summed up by a shrug of the shoulders. I found the vocals to be monotone and the music to be uneventful, but I did find a certain charm in the style that kept me coming back. And, after coming back more than a dozen times or so now, I can tell you that this music is packed with layers of subtle gifts.

      Every time I listen to this disc I find something else to like about it. Buffett’s music is well thought out and steady; blending Beck-like beats with a soft, linear vocal tone. Buffett trades range for tone as far as his vocals are concerned. What he lacks in peaks and valleys he more than makes up for in steady, smooth tone. His sound is a little Steve Miller sprinkled with Eric Woolfson (Alan Parsons Project singer). This disc also finds him harmonizing beautifully. Songs like “Go So Wrong” and “Wrap It Up In Blue” really show the poise and experience of Buffett’s studio savvy. The songs here are perfect vehicles for Buffett’s voice, too. With the modern beats of Beck and some soft, mysterious nods toward an early Pink Floyd or Alan Parsons Project sound, this is one of the most free-spirited releases in recent years. All of these tracks have an “arms spread wide” kind of freedom. You feel like you’re floating or flying as you listen. Tracks like “Find Me Too” and “Can We Love?” are especially high flying. A few of these songs spark small screams of other influences as well. “How Do You Sleep?” reminded me of Midnight Oil’s “Beds Are Burning,” mainly because of the lyrical similarities. And, “U+I” is very much set in an early Peter Gabriel style. But oddly enough, with many influences abound here, Buffett creates something very fresh and original.

   I would urge any fan of Alan Parsons, Beck, or Pink Floyd to dive into this one. Those fans will truly get where Buffett is coming from. I would also invite any fan of good music to come to the party also, but be prepared to stay the night.

Peter Buffett                                                                   photo: Michael Weintrob

   You can legally download the album for $2.12 at Amie Street Music: http://amiestreet.com/music/peter-buffett/imaginary-kingdom/

   Official Peter Buffett website: www.peterbuffett.com

   MySpace profile: http://www.myspace.com/peterbuffett